Researchers develop new method for perchlorate removal

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Researchers from the University of Illinois have devised a new, inexpensive method to remove perchlorate from water, The News-Gazette reported.

Perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel, has been detected in water sources near air force bases. Exposure to perchlorate has been show to affect the thyroid gland.

Jim Langer and Weihua Zheng developed a filter material from “ion-exhange fiber composites” in order to remove the contaminant from water.

The technology involves coating tiny fibers with resin and activating the material by chemical or temperature means.

The researchers started a company, Serionix, to commercialize the technology and have received Small Business Innovation Research Grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense.